Live Design is saddened by the death of Richard Bleasdale (1965-2024), an industry veteran who worked with Peter Wynne Willson and Tony Gottelier in the UK, writing the software for the Catalyst, creating the industry's first media server. Using a projector and a moving mirror head, the Catalyst was the first machine to select, combine, and manipulate video images under DMX control. It was an eye-popping experience.
Known for his cutting-edge video image control technology, Bleasdale became synonymous with media presentation systems and design. His work has been seen literally worldwide, with clients such as The Latin Grammy Awards, Blue Man Group, Madonna, Radiohead, Peter Gabriel, The Wynn Hotel and Casino, Lord of the Rings Toronto, Wicked The Musical New York and London, The New York Metropolitan Opera, and the 2012 Olympics in London.
If you would like to share any stories about Richard or his impact on your work, frame:work is preparing a tribute to be posted on their website. Email [email protected]
Donations in Richard’s honor are being collected to share with the Homerton Hope Charity, who supported Richard after his stroke in 2018: https://www.justgiving.com/page/bim-malcomson-1726827017287
"It is with profound sadness that I have to share with you the news of Richard Bleasdale’s passing. Richard had an incredible influence on my career and I owe him a debt of gratitude for his genius and ingenuity. His creative brilliance has inspired thousands of people across the world. For those who knew Richard, I invite you to reminisce or share a story in his honour, to celebrate his remarkable achievements.
My heartfelt condolences go out to his family during this incredibly difficult time. Richard’s legacy will forever live on in the hearts and minds of those he inspired." —Simon Pugsley, SNP productions
"Under no circumstances would you call Richard normal, but he wasn't normal in all the best ways. One of the most creative and inventive people I've ever known with an unbelievably strong focus of mind. Did I mention he could be difficult to work with? Yes, he could, but he was nearly always right - darn it. I've not had the pleasure or pain of working with him for a while. I'll miss him." — Mike Wood, lighting consultant (who shared his favorite photo of Richard taken at PLASA in 2003 after he'd had an all-night programming session on the booth! His normal way of working...)
"It’s been a tough week with the loss of life. This time within the industry I love. Richard Bleasdale was a power house in the world of professional media servers. He invented the first media server I had ever seen or programmed, Catalyst. It was completely revolutionary within the entertainment industry and it is the main media server product that helped me mold my specialty and career.
"Here’s to you Richard.. thank you for the incredible contributions you provided to our industry and thank you for everything you did in helping me excel in my passion and true love for visual technologies within the live entertainment industry. I’ll miss our conversations and insights about what’s new and upcoming in media server technologies— Geoffrey Platt, Creative Technology Specialist
"Gutted to hear about the passing of Richard Bleasdale. A true genius that has left us too soon. All the moments we spent together in murky bars and dusty server rooms all over the world puts a big smile on my face. Thank you for your brilliance, passion and friendship. Rest in Peace.
"So very sad to share the news of the passing of Richard Bleasdale. It was always a pleasure working with him throughout the years. Such a creative individual. He will be missed." — Giovanni Ciranni, Main Light
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